Autor/-in: Arthur Waley

Arthur Waley (1889-1966) was a pioneering British translator and scholar who introduced classical Chinese and Japanese literature to the English-speaking world. Despite never visiting Asia, he mastered both languages and produced lyrical, accessible translations that became classics in their own right. He is most famous for his translation of The Tale of Genji and his anthologies of Chinese poetry, which captured the spirit and beauty of works by poets like Li Po, Po Chü-i, and many others. His work broke new ground, moving away from strict literalism to convey the emotional depth and simplicity of the originals, profoundly influencing Western perceptions of East Asian literature.